MSU phd in statistics or UCONN PHD in actuarial science

[zihuan]

Does someone have an idea between two schools?

[jaymeowmeow]

No, but I'm curious as to what you feel about stats vs. actuarial science. I also don't know much about actuarial science... and what a Ph.D in it would entail? 

And by MSU, do you mean Missouri State? I don't want to assume anything  You could mean Michigan State and I wouldn't know it. 

[juilletmercredi]

Statistics and actuarial science are quite different...Do you want to be an academic? If so, I would think about in what department you'd like to teach. There are probably more departments of statistics, but from what I hear business is far less competitive. There are actually fewer applicants for faculty positions in many business fields than there are open spots. I'd imagine that's true in actuarial science, since a PhD in actuarial science probably has many lucrative non-academic options to pursue.

[Stats2016]

On February 26, 2016 at 5:09 AM, juilletmercredi said:

 I'd imagine that's true in actuarial science, since a PhD in actuarial science probably has many lucrative non-academic options to pursue.

I hear the opposite is true. The following in fact comes directly from UConn's program website:

"While emphasizing research that will benefit practicing actuaries, the Ph.d. program is not intended to prepare students to become practicing actuaries. In fact, many employers of actuaries regard a Ph.D. as a disincentive to hire. Those intending a career in actuarial practice should pursue the M.S degree. The Ph.D. prepares for an academic career in research and teaching."

http://www.math.uconn.edu/degree-programs/graduate/ph-d-in-actuarial-science/

It's difficult to gauge actuarial science programs as there aren't any rankings for them. But it seems like a PhD in actuarial science wouldn't help too much if you're planning on industry work afterwards. That makes enough sense as PhD programs might be too theoretical for real world use. 

Edited March 3, 2016 by Stats2016